Bed wetting is common among children aged 5 years and below. Why kids pee in the bed can be further understood by looking at the various types of Enuresis, which is the scientific term of bed wetting, and what causes that type of bed wetting.
What is Enuresis?
Enuresis, otherwise known as bed-wetting, is defined as the repeated and unprompted emptying of the urinary bladder that occurs during sleep. This occurrence is common among children aged 5 year and/or older. There are several types of enuresis that are discussed in this article that will help us understand why kids pee in the bed.
Types of Bedwetting
1. Nocturnal Bed wetting
This is basically bed wetting that occurs during the night while the child is asleep. It is from nocturnal bed wetting that we get to understand more types of bed wetting such as primary enuresis as well as secondary bed wetting.
2. Primary Bed wetting
Research has shown that there are an estimated 7 million children in America aged 5 years and above suffer from primary enuresis. The causes of this type of bed wetting are still elusive, but research suggests that it has something to do with developmental delay, genetics, sleep disorder, psychological/behavioral disorders, anatomy and low levels of nighttime antidiuretic hormone levels, which means that there is overproduction of urine.
3. Secondary Bed wetting
Secondary bed wetting occurs after the primary bed wetting has ceased. A child suffering from secondary bed wetting will resume enuresis usually after a period of 6 months. Several factors that result in secondary enuresis include neurogenic bladder disorder, urinary tract infection and spinal cord abnormalities. Posterior urethral valves cause secondary bedwetting in boys while ectopic ureter causing secondary bed wetting in girls.
4. Daytime Bed wetting
Otherwise referred to as Diurnal enuresis, daytime bed wetting occurs when a child urinates on themselves. This mainly occurs to children that have been toilet trained which should take place when the child is about 2-4 years. Daytime bed wetting may be caused by constipation, sporadic urination, urinary tract infection as well as bladder spasms. Medical conditions such as cerebral palsy ADHD as well as Down syndrome are common factors that cause Diurnal enuresis.
5. Monosymptomatic and Nonmonosymptomatic Bed wetting?
Monosymptomatic enuresis, otherwise known as uncomplicated bed wetting occurs with children that have no history with bladder disorders except nocturia, the need to wake up to go urinate. Nonmonosymptomatic enuresis is different because it much more serious. When Nonmonosymptomatic Bed wetting occurs, it usually means that the child is suffering from urinary tract disorders such as genital discomfort and urgency.
Now that you understand have an idea of the various types of enuresis, you are in a better position to understand why kids pee in the bed.
